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Broomfield sets timeline for finding elections consultant

Goal is to gain knowledge to conduct smoother, more transparent elections after controversy surrounded November passage of fracking ban

By Megan Quinn

Enterprise Staff Writer

Posted:
03/19/2014 12:29:34 PM MDT

Updated:
03/19/2014 12:30:01 PM MDT

Broomfield City Council has set a tentative timeline for how it will choose an independent consultant to assess its elections practices as it prepares for the June 24 primary.

The assessment, which will be done by an outside consultant, is meant to reveal problems and offer solutions to some of the issues that stoked controversy and criticism over the November election. The election has faced several lawsuits since Question 300, a five-year ban on fracking, passed by just 20 votes.

Broomfield is looking for a consultant that will bring an outside perspective to help conduct smoother, more transparent elections in the future.

Council sent out a request for qualifications, a type of proposal process, on Wednesday, and hopes to get proposals back by April 5.

Council aims to have a study session to examine the proposals on April 8, then sign a contract around April 18, according to the proposed timeline issued by staff.

The consultant would help provide direction on Broomfield's elections procedures and offer advice for how to move forward with the June 24 primary and the Nov. 4 general election.

Council members said they hoped to find a consultant who could give them an update closer to the June 24 primary, then offer additional information and clarity as the Nov. 4 draws near.

The consultant process could cost Broomfield about $20,000, depending on the person or people hired to consult, said Jim Becklenberg, assistant city and county manager.

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